Expand into Asia

1. Fast-Developing Environment

With the tremendous growth of World-class tech hubs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and other Asian cities, the region has become incredibly tech-focused and innovative as advancing technology, government support and tax breaks create a favourable environment to nurture business.

The business environment is changing in Asia also due to advancements in the mobile sector. Forrester predicts in one of its reports that online shopping in China will reach $1 trillion in 2019. As the report suggests, this growth will be spearheaded by the improving logistics networks and growth and success of mobile apps.

Increased access to mobile devices, e-commerce and apps will improve networks which in turn will provide more opportunities and a better environment for all business types.

2. Enormous Population and Market

According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s estimations, in 2014, 4.3 billion people lived in the Asia-Pacific region accounting for 60% of the global population making it an enormous market.

Besides the massive market of potential customers within this vast population, it also includes a market of upcoming and untapped talent. Combining this growing population with the ever-evolving tech industry would guarantee a constant supply of promising engineers, designers and entrepreneurs proving that Asia holds limitless opportunities for everyone.

3. Exciting Atmosphere

It is exciting to see that markets in Asia are still developing. In comparison to U.S. and Western European markets, the emerging economy in Asian markets provides unique opportunities and more room for innovation.

Inspiringly, the startup growth in Asia is increasing at a rapid pace. CB Insights data suggests that in terms of growth in venture-capital deals and dollars in 2014, Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai and Bangalore were among the top six cities in the world. Beijing alone saw a massive growth of 165 percent in deals during the years 2013 to 2014.

Better opportunities and more doors will be open to those who get in on the ground floor of rising economies as opposed to already developed economies which would be growing at a slower pace.

4. Advanced Infrastructure

It is much easier to set up businesses in major Asian cities due to their advanced infrastructure. While this rapid growth has required considerable amounts of investments in both economic and social infrastructures, it is apparent that improvements in these areas are undergoing.

These improvements in the business sector in Asia are also reducing barriers to entry; thus increasing new opportunities. Relaxed requirements for foreigners starting new businesses in Japan are allowing them to do so even without being permanent residents according to Japan Times.

Many western firms fail in Asia because conditions are very different

It could be exceedingly challenging to understand where opportunities lie within Asia. Therefore, it is crucial that a considerable amount of time is spent analysing and mapping out the location of potential customers and suppliers. Factors such as industry trends, scope and size of the market, ground sales and technical support expected by customers, and required distribution channels are integral in ensuring successful market entry.

Western business owners should learn the nuances in relationship building as it is imperative especially in B2B spaces. While in western regions such as North America, relationships can be established through one or several phone calls, a more personal face-to-face interaction would prove to be rather effective in forging strong relationships in Asia.

Asian countries are often said to be ‘high context’; where many things are left unsaid and assumed that the hidden meaning is understood within the context of their culture. The western culture often contradict this by using direct communication which might lead to miscommunication and wrong assumptions between the cultures.

Rolf Blaser

Managing Director

Rolf is a Swiss citizen with over 20 years of experience in international trade in charge of all operations

Rolf has a corporate career spanning over three decades, including positions at Sony, Minolta and Johnson & Johnson.
He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and an Executive MBA from the University
of St. Gallen, Switzerland. With experience in Europe and Southeast Asia, he has a strong cross-cultural competency and brings a
passion for operational excellence to every role. Rolf served as the CEO Alternate and Director at Baurs since 2017 and from 2018
October he serves as the Managing Director/CEO.

Koh Boon Tuan

Office Manager

Koh is a Singaporean citizen and an experienced accountant focused on providing reliable data.

Koh has over 30 years of experience and knowledge in the area of management and accounting. He joined Baur Asia in 2010 and
serves as an Accountant and Office Manager. Koh is a graduate of the National University of Singapore.

Susan Sim

Administrative Officer

Susan is the heart of our company with long experience in logistics, administration and management. She coordinates with
both principals and customers.

Susan has over 25 years of professional experience and knowledge in the area of Administration and Logistic Management.
Susan joined Baur Asia in 2008 and serves as the Sales and Administrative Officer. Susan takes great care of daily operation in logistics,
administration and inventory management. She coordinates with both principals and customers. She graduated from Kaplan University
majoring in Logistics management and Supply Chain.

Pimmas Rianpinyawat

Marketing Executive

Pim is a Thai citizen and handles the marketing activities in Thailand.

Pim brings long experience in marketing and regional distribution, which is valuable to the Company and our Distributors.
She is responsible for Distributor markets in Thailand and some Asian markets. Pim joined Baur Asia in 2010 and serves as
Marketing Executive. She has a Master’s degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Pakpoom Khumlami

Sales Executive

Pakpoom is a Thai citizen and handles the sales activities in Thailand.

Pakpoom is based in Bangkok and has long experience in sales and local distribution, which is valuable to the
Company and our partners. He is responsible for local markets and serves as Sales Executive in Baur Asia (Thailand).
Pakpoom has a master’s degree from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok.

Naruemon Paksapunt

Accounts and Administrative Officer

Naruemon is a Thai citizen and handles the administration functions of the Thailand Office.

Naruemon is based in Bangkok. She has over 8 years’ experience in the area of Accounting. Currently she serves as an Account
and Administration Officer in Baur Asia (Thailand). Naruemon has a bachelor’s degree from Phranakhon Rajabha University,
majoring in Accounting.

Vanessa Hong

General Manager

Singaporean citizen, Vanessa handles the marketing activities of the Company.
Vanessa is a professional with over 21 years of experience in the Trading Industry. She has a vast and in-depth knowledge,
and experience in dealing with the global market with regard to International Trade. She handled the sales and marketing activities
independently for many Asia Pacific countries before joining Baur Asia. She possesses strong communications and public relations skills,
internally and externally. She graduated from Singapore Management University (formerly known as Singapore Institute of Management)
majoring in Management Studies which includes sales and marketing. She joined Baur Asia in January 2018 and takes care of the overall
sales and operations for the company.